The number of ads for children’s drinks on youth websites increased by 15% from 2010 to 2013.

Twitter followers for sugary drinks and energy drinks increased 11 million in 2014, 11 times what they were in 2011, & Facebook likes for sugary drinks and energy drinks were over 300 million, triple what they were in 2011.

A typical 8-ounce children’s drink contains 60 calories and 16 grams of sugar – more sugar than recommended for most children to consume in an entire day.

Researchers

Sugary Drink FACTS was developed by the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity. The research results are based on the best available data on nutrition and food marketing. Researchers utilized syndicated data when available, including data from Nielsen, comScore, and IRI, and implemented analyses to quantify the extent of marketing to youth. In addition, the researchers examined the different forms of marketing to assess target audiences, messages, and techniques presented in the advertisements. The methods are described in full detail in the report.

Nutrition Scoring Methods

Sugary Drink FACTS will continue to evolve to reflect marketing techniques that constantly change in response to social media and mobile device use among children, and other technological advances. Feedback on Sugary Drink FACTS and the data presented here is encouraged.

The public health community must work with the food industry and media companies to achieve population health goals and protect society's most vulnerable citizens - our children.